Buy & Rent Property in Aarau: Facts & Figures at a Glance
What is Aarau known for?
Aarau is located in the canton of Aargau. Aarau is the capital of Aargau and is known for its well-preserved old town, painted eaves and compact administrative centre. It has a strong regional role for public services, schooling and employment, while also appealing to buyers who want a smaller city with good access to larger employment areas.
What does the Aarau property market look like?
Aarau’s property market is generally driven by steady local demand, a central location in Aargau and a housing stock that mixes older urban homes with newer developments.
Price levels for buying and renting
Buy
The average purchase prices were:
- Apartment: 845,000 CHF
- This is 3,8 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of apartments are priced below 625,961 CHF.
- Around 75 % of apartments are priced at 1,260,000 CHF or below.
- House: 1,421,125 CHF
- This is 12,7 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of houses are priced below 1,140,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of houses are priced at 1,690,102 CHF or below.
Rent
The average monthly rental prices were:
- Apartment: 1,628 CHF
- This is 1,3 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of rental listings are priced below 1,330 CHF.
- Around 75 % of rental listings cost 1,970 CHF or less.
For a detailed breakdown, visit:
https://www.immoscout24.ch/en/property-prices-m2/city-aarau
Tax rates
Aarau has a general tax charge of 10,53 %. This compares with 10,93 % for canton Aargau and 12,38 % nationally.
- Tax rates by household type:
- Single person without children: 15,3 %
- Married couple without children: 9,69 %
- Couple with children: 6,79 %
- Married pensioner: 13,46 %
- Example annual tax burden:
- Single (no children, 100,000 CHF income): 12,780 CHF
- Single (no children, 150,000 CHF income): 24,845 CHF
- Married couple (no children, 200,000 CHF income): 27,875 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 125,000 CHF income): 7,200 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 175,000 CHF income): 16,580 CHF
Note: Tax rates shown are indicative only and may be inaccurate; consult a qualified tax advisor for advice specific to your situation.
Availability
- Housing supply
- Vacancy rate: 0,38 % (Swiss average: 1,01 %)
- Total apartments: 12,500
- Housing growth over the last 5 years: 511 new apartments have been introduced to the market.
Demographics & economy
- Population: 22,710, with a foreigner rate of 23,39 %.
- Income: Average yearly income: 78,045 CHF. This is 4,7 % lower than the Swiss average (Swiss average: 81,875 CHF).
- Employment: Unemployment rate: 1,48 % (Swiss average: 1,47 %).
Connectivity
- It takes 43 minutes to get to the nearest major city using public transport.
- It takes 11 minutes to get to the nearest regional suburban hub using public transport.
- It takes 50 minutes to drive by car to the nearest major city.
- It takes 8 minutes to drive by car to the nearest regional suburban hub.
What is daily life like in Aarau?
Daily life in Aarau is centred on a walkable old town, riverside paths along the Aare and easy access to everyday services, cafés and restaurants. Residents also benefit from cultural venues, local events and nearby countryside for walking and cycling. The city suits people who want a practical urban setting without the pace of a large metropolis.
Which lifestyles does Aarau suit?
Aarau suits commuters, professionals, families and buyers who prefer a compact city with everyday amenities close at hand. It also appeals to people who value a quieter urban lifestyle, access to public services and a location that works well for both living and working in the region.
Data from: June 2026
Note: The market for apartments for sale can change rapidly, so it is always advisable to check with local real estate experts/agents for the latest developments.